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Open house to highlight positives of Islam, counter stereotypes

The Muslim Society of Buffalo is hosting an art-themed open house in two sessions Saturday in its mosque at 1955 Genesee St. The first session of “Islamic Expressions: Art, History and More” will take place at 2:45 p.m., with the second session beginning at 4:50 p.m.

The open house is part of the society’s Common Grounds Initiative to show the creativity and positivity that local Muslims contribute to the fabric of the community and counteract the narrative of Muslim Americans presented “by far right political rhetoric at home and extremist voices overseas.”

The free event will include tours of the mosque as well as an exhibition of art produced by local Muslims and brief presentations on topics such as rising Islamophobia, women in Islam, and the rejection of radicalism. Local and national Muslim leaders will be on hand to answer questions and local religious and political leaders have been invited.